The Upstart Crow - Gielgud / Apollo

Unbelievably lame . Some truly terrible ‘panto-style’ performances - over-pitched played directly to the audience with EVERY WORD stressed. One actor almost completely incomprehensible. Low production values - panto back-cloths flown in and out to suggest a change of scene . Couple of drab bay-trees for the Malvolio scene . When ticket prices are this high , you at least expect a production to look decent . This looked like a budget of £80 had been splashed on it . Elton’s script had its moments - but actors had been directed to overplay almost everything -and chucking huge chunks of King Lear in not only exposed a Mitchell as a second -rate Shakespearean actor but also reeked of padding . This director has a history of mauling productions with over-blown physical comedy and end-of-the-pier naffness. When a non-speaking dancing bear gets the biggest laughs of the evening , you know that something isn’t right . There’s a really funny play to be written about Shakespeare and his efforts to write for the theatre . This wasn’t it . Save your money . Watch the Box Set.